Re: running martingales

[PSCHOPony@aol.com]

If your horse is throwing his head, evading the bit, whatever, it is a
training problem and the martingale is an "easy fix."  It is far better to dig
to the root of the problem and cure that.  One example I can remember off hand
was a mare being ridden in a snaffle bridle.  She constantly threw her head
and her owners immediatly attached the martingale.  Later they found a tiny
nub on the bit that was cutting the horse when it moved in her mouth.  Do some
dressage, switch bits, examine the bit you use now.  Find out what my cause
the problem.  Is the horse throwing his head at the thought of being left
behind?  Is he doing it when you pull back?  Take the time and evalute the
situation.